motion blurred imagery of yellow leaves on white barked aspen trees

Beat the Winter Blues

With the holidays behind us and a serious lack of snow on the ground, it would be easy to fall into a cold-weather funk. In fact, snow or not, many people do suffer from the winter blues, a condition characterized by mild depression and low energy.

Don’t let winter get you down. Self-care is crucial for boosting your mood and your energy. Say goodbye to the winter blues:

Set a new goal: Sometimes there is a letdown after the holidays because it feels like there is nothing to look forward to. Shift your focus and set a new goal. This will help you stay motivated. Choose a goal that stretches and inspires you. It could be something simple, such as trying a new class at the gym or something bigger, like signing up for a ski or snowshoe race. Choose a goal, share it with others for accountability, and create a plan for reaching it. It’s hard to feel blue when you’re busy accomplishing a goal!

Exercise: Okay, this one is obvious—but the post-holiday letdown and the lack of snow could leave you feeling like lounging on the couch. Resist that urge! Exercise is one of the best anti-depressants you can take. Lack of snow is no excuse because Zenergy has a full range of classes and clinics to keep you moving. Make exercise a priority to keep your spirits up this winter.

Sunshine: Our body converts sunshine into vitamin D, a natural mood booster. Of course, the days are shorter and darker during the winter—and it’s more important than ever to get outside and soak up the sun. We’re lucky because we have abundant sunshine throughout the year—this place isn’t called Sun Valley for nothing! Make it a priority to get outside for at least 15 minutes each day.

Water: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and irritability and a slowed metabolism. When you’re dehydrated, your body has to work harder to keep its systems going. Dehydration will only exacerbate the winter blues. Give yourself a fighting chance of staying positive and motivated—stay hydrated!

Winter doesn’t have to zap your energy. A little self-care goes a long way to ensure a healthy, happy season.